This bill amends RCW 51.32.090 to reduce the waiting period for a worker's temporary total disability compensation from fourteen days to seven days following an injury. It specifies that workers will not receive compensation for the day of the injury or the three days following unless their disability lasts for a full seven consecutive calendar days. Additionally, the bill introduces adjustments to compensation calculations, including changes to the percentage of average monthly wage limits and maximum allowable wage subsidies for employers who provide light duty or transitional work to injured workers.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of keeping injured workers engaged in the workforce by offering wage subsidies and incentives to employers. It outlines conditions for employer reimbursements for training, clothing, and tools, with specific caps on the amounts. Employers can receive wage subsidies for a maximum of 66 days of work within a 24-month period and must submit reimbursement requests within one year. The bill also establishes a Washington stay-at-work account funded by employer assessments and ensures that workers' health benefits continue post-injury. The new provisions will take effect on July 1, 2025, while the previous section will expire on the same date.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 51.32.090